The Legendary Song 'Bengawan Solo' Returns in a New Version Collaborating Yunan Helmi, Gesang, and Waldjinah

Kapanlagi.com - The song Bengawan Solo is a legendary work by the maestro of keroncong music from Solo, Gesang Martohartono, which has inspired millions of people around the world. Created with a simple touch yet full of meaning, this song has become one of the timeless symbols of Indonesian music.
From generation to generation, Bengawan Solo continues to live on, both in recorded form and live performances, and now it makes a comeback with a fresher touch. Widely known as a song that depicts the beauty of the Bengawan Solo River, this song has been translated into various languages and sung in different parts of the world.

Not many know that this iconic song began from Gesang's humming and pencil strokes on a scrap of used cigarette paper. A simple story that gave birth to an extraordinary work that continues to be remembered to this day.

As time goes by, Bengawan Solo has been immortalized in various recordings by several renowned singers, including Gesang himself, Sundari Soekotjo, Tuti Maryati, Mus Mulyadi, and Tetty Supangat. This song is also often performed by Waldjinah, the Queen of Keroncong, who has helped popularize legendary keroncong songs such as Kembang Kacang and Walang Kekek. With its wide influence, Bengawan Solo has become an unforgettable part of Indonesian music history.

The lyrics of Bengawan Solo describe the journey of river water flowing from the springs in Solo, passing through the mountains, until it finally reaches the Java Sea. As expressed in one part of the lyrics, “Your spring is from Solo, surrounded by a thousand mountains, the water flows far away finally to the sea,” this song invites its listeners to feel the beauty of nature and the power of nature reflected in the daily lives of the people along the river.

1. Answering the Challenges of the Times

Credit: Istimewa

Facing the ever-changing challenges of the times, Djakawinata Susilo, the producer of GNP Music, sees the importance of involving young musicians to provide innovative arrangements, so that Bengawan Solo remains relevant to the current generation. Yunan Helmi, a singer and songwriter who recently won the Best Theme Song award, has been chosen to present the latest version of this song.

In this project, Yunan Helmi collaborates with two legends of Indonesian music, Gesang and Waldjinah, to bring a new atmosphere that combines pop music elements with keroncong.

In this latest recording, Yunan Helmi not only sings but also involves a talented young musician, Carmello Mahardika, who plays the flute very impressively. Carmello's presence in this arrangement adds richness to the music of Bengawan Solo. Moreover, Yunan also invites four young and teenage singers: Zahra Cama, Malaika Azura, Shanun Rahmani, and Andrea Koo, to introduce this song to the younger generation, so they can feel the power of the message contained in this legendary song.

"It is an incredible joy for me to collaborate with the living legend, Mrs. Waldjinah, in the master recording of the new song Bengawan Solo, by the maestro Mr. Gesang (deceased)," said Yunan Helmi with gratitude and pride.

2. Cross-Generational

Credit: Istimewa

This collaboration between the old and new generations is expected to bridge the musical gap between the past and the present, while also conveying an important message about the cultural values of Indonesia to the younger generation.

Mrs. Waldjinah, who was very impressed with Mr. Gesang during his lifetime, remembers him as a very humble person who always shared knowledge with his juniors.

"Mr. Gesang was a warm, humorous, and friendly person. He was greatly respected and liked by many until the end of his life,” Waldjinah reminisced with full respect.

With the presence of this latest version of Bengawan Solo, it is hoped that this song can inspire and be enjoyed by all layers of society from time to time. The collaboration between Yunan Helmi, Gesang, and Waldjinah provides evidence that Indonesian music, with all its cultural richness, can continue to evolve and endure amidst the currents of modernization.

May this work not only be a tribute to the maestro Gesang but also serve as a bridge connecting new generations with the rich heritage of Indonesian culture.

(kpl/pur/glk)